{
  "abstract": "Background The safe use of syringe pumps for palliative medication administration is essential in end-of-life care. However, many nursing homes in the UK face significant challenges in ensuring staff are adequately trained and competent in managing these devices (Anstey, Powell, Coles, et al. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2016;6(3):353-61). A significant barrier is the infrequency with which syringe pumps are used in nursing homes, leading to a lack of hands-on experience among staff. Nursing homes may have limited number of residents who require syringe pumps at any given time, which makes it difficult to maintain practical proficiency in their use (Seymour, Kumar, Froggatt. Palliat Med. 2011;25(2):125-38). Additionally, there is often a high turnover rate of staff in nursing homes, meaning that new staff members may not receive adequate or ongoing training, or they may not stay long enough to develop and retain competency with this critical skill. Training tends to be theoretical with limited practical assessment or opportunities for skill refreshment. Without structured assessments, staff may lose confidence or competence over time. This skill gap poses risks to patient safety and the quality of care.Aims This project aims to address the shortage of staff competent in syringe pump management within local nursing homes. The initiative provides both initial training and practical competency assessments to improve the quality of palliative care delivered to residents (Seymour, Kumar, Froggatt. Palliat Med. 2011;25(2):125-38).Methods We deliver initial training on syringe pump theory to nursing home staff, or confirm completion of similar training within the past three months. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding, nursing homes send staff to the hospice to complete a practical competency assessment under supervision.Results Despite being in the early stages, we have had excellent engagement from nursing homes locally. We aim to collect both qualitative and quantitative data demonstrating how this project bridges the skill gap, strengthens collaboration between hospices and nursing homes, and enhances patient care and symptom management.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent, Canterbury, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Katy Stephens"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent, Canterbury, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Lisa Hagger"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent, Canterbury, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Charlotte Brigden"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-140 Enhancing end of life care in nursing homes: a mixed approach to hospice-led syringe pump training",
  "uid": "e5ce6c12-40c8-5fad-82d0-d6c5f3a7f91f"
}